Cannabis but it does smell. Bamboo is always fun and easy to maintain.

COMMENT 483554

2014-01-08 05:15 PM

Mold.

But seriously... support a local business and go to one of the local plant nurseries in SB or Goleta. They have people that know the plants and will help you pick something that will work well. Their plants tend to start out healthier too.

Or you can go to Home Depot and someone who doesn't know plants will tell you "sure it'll work. It says indoor plant on the pot". It might live and you might save three dollars.

SHOREBIRD

2014-01-08 05:16 PM

African Violets. They have special pots that water from the bottom and you only have to fill up the water once a month.

Don't let direct light fall on the leaves for more than one hour a day and you will have flowers in the pink/purple range all year.

Ixnay on the Sativa unless you have 10 foot ceilings. I suggest a Indica Dominant Hybrid for the average overheated apartment. Tell your friends it's a leftover living Christmas Tree if they ask.

COMMENT 483603P

2014-01-08 06:35 PM

Why all the snarky answers for a simple question? I'd answer it for you, OP, but plants tend to run when they see me coming.

COMMENT 483607P

2014-01-08 06:47 PM

You mainly need to know whether you tend to be an over-waterer or and under-waterer.

COMMENT 483639

2014-01-08 07:46 PM

no 622 i didnt realize that; good to know. BTW anyone know where i can get leagal indica seeds?I like the christmas tree idea

COMMENT 483647P

2014-01-08 07:58 PM

Hello OP - and thank you D8VANILLA,I actually checked in to this request for info because I too am thinking of doing some indoor plants for a change. So it was perfect timing for me that OP asked - and that D8VANILLA gave such a good list and reference. Thanks to you both in particular and to others who helped :)

COMMENT 483729P

2014-01-09 08:04 AM

Moving here to SB from out of state, I have been thrilled with being able to have orchids. They take so little water and care. When they're not blooming, I put the pot outside and ignore them., but they still bloom again later. It's a perfect plant for someone like me, who unintentionally kills most other indoor plants.Many local growers sell orchids, and often I'll just spring the ten bucks for one at Trader Joe's to have fresh blooms in my home for the next month.

COMMENT 483738P

2014-01-09 08:20 AM

OK--light is the major factor. Indoor plants want INdirect light only, not direct sun shining through a window. So no plants parked in front of a sunny window, or they'll burn badly.

Most condos and apts are not highly lit; their outside walls have one smallish window in the bedrooms (low light) and one window near the kitchen and one slider downstairs, so low to medium light in the living area. More windows mean better light, if so, lucky you!

As far as that internet list goes, the best plants on it for low to medium light are philodendron types (hanging/climbing cordatum-'heartleaf' and upright, large leaf Monstera types) Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily) and Snake plant (verrry slow but very hardy if not overwatered.)

I'd forget about the different Ficus on the list as they need considerable indirect light to be happy, and they're not particularly tolerant of dry indoor air. Schefflera (Umbrella plant)is a bushy med height plant and more tolerant of both conditions and I'm surprised they're not listed, but the list is from ivillage, after all.

For hanging plants, the heart shaped Philidendron and Pothos are the hardiest, and not bad looking. Spider plants are ground covers in the humid tropics and rarely thrive indoors here, but WILL take forever to die. Ivy is low light tolerant but hates indoors; they will invariable get spider mites and die within months. And infect your other plants too. They have the bejesus sprayed out of them at the growers as well.

Take a trip to Terra Del Sol and the knowledgeable staff there will not steer you wrong, but be sure to ask for low light-tolerant plants unless you have a conservatory. They can also give you specifics on watering each type, which is very important. Start small and build up if you are having luck. Good quality tropical are not cheap.

UPONTHEHILL

2014-01-09 09:05 AM

The orchids from Trader's are wonderful. If you have pets be sure the plants you bring in are not toxic. Most lilies are deadly to cats.

COMMENT 483908P

2014-01-09 01:25 PM

Pothos are great plants for cleansing the air in your apartment of pollutants. ie. fumes from synthetic carpets, rugs, plastics etc. they don't need much water or light.

COMMENT 483922

2014-01-09 01:44 PM

Thanks 908P - I'll have to get one - the only thing alive in my apartment currently is me (and that's iffy on some days).

COMMENT 483964

2014-01-09 03:29 PM

I have had good luck growing Pothos plants inside. Cactus and succulents also grow well if you have a lot of light. Note that Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH) has a Lifetime Plant Guarantee. You can return a plant as long as you keep the receipt.

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